Retro Glamour: Crystal + John's Virginia Park Lodge Wedding

Like something you'd see in a rom-com, Irish couple Crystal and John met totally by chance half way around the world in a pub in Argentina. Both travelling to different destinations Crystal and John ended up watching an Irish match together, had a great time but then parted ways to continue their travels. Months later their paths crossed by chance again and this time they stayed together. Simply meant to be it's a pleasure to share their Virginia Park Lodge real wedding by Annie Kheffache Photography with you today.

Crystal tells us their serendipitous love story..."We met in Argentina while I was travelling on the way to Sydney and John was on a 6 month trip before he returned to Dublin to start a post grad. We got talking at an Ireland v Argentina rugby match as all the few Irish supporters were grouped in to one small section. Ireland sadly lost however myself and John got talking and ended up spending the day together. We kept in touch a bit but were thinking there was little point as we were going to live on separate sides of the globe. Two months later I was in the Bolivian salt flats and randomly bumped into John again. After a couple of weeks of travelling together with our friends we became an item. John cancelled his post grad and joined me in Sydney shortly after, where we spent the next 3 years."

Seven years later John proposed, Crystal remembers..."I’m a big fan of making photo books for my friends…John proposed on our anniversary by making me a photo book of special moments over the past 7 years. Towards the end of the book came 4 photos, each containing various members of our families holding up signs “WILL” “YOU” “MARRY” …and the 4th photo containing John driving his Dad's tractor with a “ME” sign! John presented me with a beautiful 1950's antique ring. It was perfect."

Once their venue hunt began Crystal immediately fell in love with the old school elegance and charm of Virginia Park Lodge in Co.Cavan. Crystal told us..."I adore antiques and old style properties so I was keen on an old country estate from the start. It was easy to fall in love with Virginia Park Lodge – a house full of character set on Lough Ramor surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands. We loved the idea of having an evening reception based in the house with different rooms for people to meander through – giving it a really informal relaxed vibe. In choosing our venue food was top of the priority list for us and the style and quality of the offering at Virginia Park Lodge was perfect. An unfussy menu using the best of Irish ingredients. Many people commented on how chilled out we were about the whole day and although we are generally relaxed people – the key thing was we were able to be. We had so much confidence in the venue staff that we could sit back and know that things were being taken care of. Our nightmare would have been feeling like we had to micro manage things."

Considering Ireland's unpredictable weather Crystal and John at first decided to have their ceremony indoors, but as the shone began to shine on their wedding day they changed plans and headed outdoors. Crystal recounts..."Up until an hour before the ceremony we planned on having it inside. The week's weather had been quite overcast and unchanging (but to be honest I didn't care, I don’t think it’s a good idea in this country to bank on nice weather!) The sun did miraculously come out blazing and it was decided to move the whole event outside last minute. It made for wonderful ceremony photos and a summers day cocktail reception on the lawn."

Matching the elegant style of their venue Crystal chose a beautiful silk wedding dress with a retro glam feel, which she accessorised with a headpiece made from a necklace bought at Rhinestones.

To keep her bridesmaids (and bridesman) happy and stylish Crystal then chose different dresses for each of her bridesmaids in the same pastel pink, as well as a dapper suit for her bridesman.

Big into music John sung Bill Weathers “Lovely Day” as Crystal walked down the aisle, and Crystal's cousin's band later provided the entertainment for the night. Crystal told us..."Music is very important to us – I’m very lucky that my cousin Glen is the lead singer of a great wedding band A Few Good Men. We needed a venue that would suit a good party vibe with a spacious dancefloor and a cosy corner for the trad session to carry on afterwards. I also spend lots of time making the perfect 1940's & 50's jazz playlist which really suited the vibe of the venue."

Music was also refelcted in the décor with DIY record table numbers on each guests table. A confessed DIY bride, Crystal would advise taking on too many projects with caution. She advises..."I regret getting sucked in to doing so many DIY pieces, it was from looking at so many amazing creative ideas like on One Fab Day that I wanted to add my own personal touch! But at the end of the day my venue just didn't need it, there was enough lovely décor in place that I really should have spent my time on more practical things… like packing for the honeymoon!"

A huge congratulations to you both and thanks so much for sharing your day with us - hope we didn't cause you too much DIY inspo. stress!

A big thank you also goes to Annie Khaffache for sharing her work with us. To see more from Annie Khaffache visit www.anniekheffache.com